Out on the Edge Instead of Here in the Middle: The Four Reasons Why Britain Can’t Resolve Its Relations with the EU

Summary:

Europe’s economic crisis has further damaged Britain’s already difficult relationship with the European Union (EU). While most Member States seek a deepening of Europe’s political and financial ties, London is trying to recover its scope for independent action, ordering a review of the EU’s competencies and mooting a membership referendum in 2017.

The reasons are rooted in Britain’s historical experience of international relations, which persists in the thinking of the main UK-wide parties. In their understanding, Britain’s political trajectory and its geopolitical position are a boon, and not things to be modified through integration with neighbours. More than ever, London views the EU as an obstacle rather than a tool. Awareness of the UK’s specific attitude towards regionalism may offer room for compromise.

• Primary Source

• Alternative Source

DGAP: IP Journal, 11.09.14: Out on the Edge. Can Britain resolve its troubled relationship with the EU? https://ip-journal.dgap.org/en/ip-journal/topics/out-edge

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